By my nature and experience I am a runner, not a hiker. Maybe I'm a hiker now, but only since six days ago.

Blisters have been my biggest struggle on the trail so far. When, on day three, my feet screamed in agony with every step from the pain of 10 different blisters I decided it was time to run. Three miles later I could finally walk again, and my inner-runner smiled with pride. I don't know how it worked out that running with 25 lbs. on my back was anything less than awful, but in that moment it helped get me through the day